Don't Fall for Devilish Tricks! — Michelle Blan

Today is April Fools Day. Have you played any jokes on anyone? Did you fall victim to a prankster? This day is notorious for all sorts of jokes – some that fail, some that gain a chuckle, and others that go down in the history books (only to be re-lived every April 1st for years to come).

While that is all fun and games, I want to talk to you today about something a bit more serious. A bit, well, darker.

Have you ever found yourself thinking – Man, if I didn’t have bad luck then I’d have no luck at all? Sometimes when things don’t go our way or when life gets a bit bumpy, it is hard to stay focused and positive. Do you know what I mean? We feel like we move from one daily living task to the next, feet dragging, shoulders slumped, and head hung low. When the bad times set in and the good times seem so far away, the dark cloud hanging overhead can become suffocating.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

1 Peter 1:6-7

God has never promised us a life that is full of perfection and delight. He does, however, promise to see us through to the other side. He is our guiding light in the darkness.

Here’s the thing I wanted to talk to you about. It’s ok to be down in the dumps for a moment. This is one of the most important times for you to stay focused on God; to seek him. Otherwise, do you know what happens? Something shiny catches our attention and pulls us in the wrong direction.

This so-called shiny thing may bring you momentary relief from your rough patch. It may make you feel better right now and maybe even allow you to forget about all your worries. Maybe it is money. Maybe its a new relationship. Maybe it is a new hobby. Maybe it is a hidden desire you tucked away long ago. Whatever it is – it doesn’t last. It will capture your attention and whisk you away from your dark cloud and your troubles… Only to eventually land you in a deeper and darker spot than where you started.

The devil, oooh boy, he has got some tricks up his sleeve just waiting to catch you in a weak spot. He is the ultimate April Fools Day prankster – except with his pranks, the joke is on you.

The devil tempted Eve in the first book of the Bible! He even tempted to Jesus! So, you should know that you are not immune to his trickery.

Remember, Jesus taught us to pray and included the line, “…And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Next time you find yourself getting rained on by the dark cloud above, look up. Pray. And remember that this is all part of God’s plan for your life — and you will find more joy when the light returns.

Until next time…❤❤